Everyday life · England
My food choices
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What you eat matters.
People should ask about your own choices.
My choice
Tell people what you eat and what you do not eat.
You can use pictures or your communication aid.
Ask them to listen.
Vegetarian food
Vegetarian food has no meat or fish.
Tell people if you eat eggs and dairy foods.
Vegan food
A vegan diet avoids food from animals.
This includes meat, fish, milk and eggs.
Ask for suitable meals you enjoy.
Kosher food
You may eat kosher food.
This means following Jewish food rules.
Explain which rules you follow and which foods you eat.
Halal food
You may eat halal food.
This means following Islamic food rules.
Tell supporters how to check your food.
Preparing my food
Agree how your food should be stored, cooked and served.
You may need separate pans or utensils.
Ask staff to follow your plan.
Shopping and going out
Ask for help to choose suitable food.
Check meals before a visit or a day out.
Plan another suitable meal if needed.
Food allergies
Food choices and food allergies are different.
Vegan food can still contain an ingredient you are allergic to.
Ask people to check both.
Getting enough nourishment
You need food that gives your body what it needs.
A dietitian can help you plan suitable meals.
If my choices are ignored
Tell the manager what needs to change.
Ask for suitable food now.
An advocate can help you speak up.
What you can do next
This is longer information for care services.
You can ask someone to read it with you.
Read about food and choice in care Web pageThis link opens another website.
It may use harder words.
More useful links
- NHS: vegetarian food Web pageLonger information
Planning a varied vegetarian diet.
- NHS: vegan food Web pageLonger information
Planning nutrition and reliable sources of essential nutrients.
- KLBD: what is kosher? Web pageLonger information
Information from Kosher London Beth Din. Discuss the practices you follow.
- Halal Food Information Centre Web pageLonger information
Information about halal food and common questions. Discuss your own requirements.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
Food that respects my choices, culture and beliefs
Support with vegetarian, vegan, kosher and halal food, shopping, cooking and meals that respect your own choices.
Adults aged 18 and over · England
Start with my own choices
Explain what you eat, what you do not eat and what you enjoy. People should ask you, rather than guess from your name, appearance or family. Your reasons may include beliefs, culture, animal welfare or personal preference. Supporters should help you choose suitable meals and record the practical help you need.
I eat vegetarian food
Vegetarians do not eat meat or fish. Some eat eggs and dairy foods; others do not. Tell supporters what you eat. Check ingredients such as meat stock or gelatine as well as the main part of a meal. Agree suitable alternatives when shopping or cooking.
I eat vegan food
A vegan diet does not include foods from animals, such as meat, fish, milk or eggs. Explain your choices and check sauces, snacks and drinks too. A balanced vegan diet needs planning, including reliable sources of vitamin B12 and other nutrients. Ask a dietitian for help if you have additional health needs, eat very few foods or need support to plan meals.
I eat kosher food
Kosher food follows Jewish dietary rules. Discuss the standards you follow, which products or suppliers you use, and how food is stored, prepared and served. This may involve separate equipment and keeping meat and dairy apart. Ask a trusted religious adviser if you want help explaining your requirements. A vegetarian label alone does not establish that food is kosher.
I eat halal food
Halal food follows Islamic dietary rules. Ask supporters to check your requirements for ingredients, meat suppliers, preparation and avoiding contact with foods you do not eat. Halal is not simply a label meaning “no pork”. Tell people which certification or guidance you rely on. Do not assume that every Muslim follows identical practices or accepts the same products.
Plan shopping, cooking and meals out
Agree a choice of meals you enjoy, where suitable ingredients come from and who will help. Discuss storage, cooking equipment and serving utensils. Check a restaurant or event can meet your requirements and plan a suitable alternative if it cannot. Include celebrations, visits, day services, respite and hospital stays.
Preferences and allergies both matter
A vegan, vegetarian, kosher or halal label does not mean food is safe for a particular allergy. Record exact allergies and medical diets separately from preferences, while making sure meals meet all your needs. Do not offer an unsafe ingredient as a substitute. Our food-allergy guide explains labels, cross-contact and emergency planning.
What should care services do?
Where food and drink are part of regulated care arrangements in England, CQC guidance requires religious, cultural and ethical dietary needs to be considered and met. Staff should discuss any clinical concerns with you and help find suitable options. Ask for your plan to be followed by everyone preparing or serving food, including temporary staff.
If my food choices are ignored
Tell the manager what happened and what meal or support you need now. Ask for the shopping or meal plan to be corrected and checked with you. An advocate can help you speak up. Nobody should trick or pressure you into eating food against your choices. Seek clinical advice if you are not getting enough suitable food or drink.
Words you could use
“I eat … . I do not eat … . Please check my food choices, beliefs and allergies with me, and agree suitable meals and help with shopping or cooking.”
More useful links
- NHS: vegetarian food Web pageLonger information
Planning a varied vegetarian diet.
- NHS: vegan food Web pageLonger information
Planning nutrition and reliable sources of essential nutrients.
- KLBD: what is kosher? Web pageLonger information
Information from Kosher London Beth Din. Discuss the practices you follow.
- Halal Food Information Centre Web pageLonger information
Information about halal food and common questions. Discuss your own requirements.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
Where the information comes from
Links checked 5 November 2026.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
- CQC Regulation 14: nutrition and hydration Web pageLonger information
Food choices and cultural, religious and ethical requirements where nutrition forms part of care.
- CQC Regulation 9: person-centred care Web pageLonger information
Care based on the individual’s wishes, needs and involvement.
- NHS: vegetarian diet Web pageLonger information
Vegetarian choices and varied nutrition.
- NHS: vegan diet Web pageLonger information
Avoiding animal foods and planning essential nutrients.
- KLBD: what is kosher? Web pageLonger information
Jewish dietary requirements and checking ingredients and preparation.
- KLBD: kosher questions Web pageLonger information
Why ingredients alone and a vegetarian menu do not settle kosher suitability.
- Halal Food Information Centre Web pageLonger information
Halal ingredients, certification and contamination with non-halal ingredients.
- GOV.UK: allergen labelling Web pageLonger information
Vegan labelling does not guarantee food is free from a particular allergen.
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